NASA issues long-awaited call to industry for private space stations

NASA released a formal request for proposals from the United States commercial space industry to design private space stations for low-Earth orbit. These commercial outposts are intended to succeed the International Space Station as early as 2030, ensuring a continuous human presence for research and training. Industry bids are due by December 8, and NASA plans to select at least two contractors for the initial phase.

Phase 1 winners are guaranteed $100 million, while subsequent phases will involve billions in funding. Potential bidders include Axiom Space, Voyager Space, and Vast Space. A key challenge for private station builders has been securing crewed transportation, as SpaceX plans to retire its Crew Dragon spacecraft when the International Space Station is deorbited.

To ease this burden, NASA's new request states that bidders do not need proof of a transportation contract. NASA also offered to furnish the first four service missions, estimating a 2030 crew flight at $325 million and a cargo flight at $300 million. Following the initial selection, NASA plans to launch Phase 2 next year to fund station development and certification.

Phase 3 will involve purchasing at least four missions for NASA astronauts to visit the private orbital platforms.